I finished Succubus Dreams last night. It’s the third in the Georgina Kincaid series by my favorite author, Richelle Mead. First, let me say, I realize I haven’t been reviewing the first books in series thus far. I’m going to work to rectify that soon. I will write up a review of the first Georgina Kincaid book, Succubus Blues, in the near future. I’ll try to get everyone up-to-speed on the series included on Vampire Book Club.

That said, let me get back to Succubus Dreams. I’ll write a full review later, but Richelle Mead knows how to wrap me around her finger. I was rapt; so caught up that when a gut-wrenching breakup hit, I cried.

For real.

And almost threw the book across the room.

I powered through the final pages hoping things would magically turn around (a lot like the character…hmm…). Sometimes books, particularly those in series, have to end on a downer to progress the plot and character development. Logically, I know this.

Anyone who has followed her other books knows Richelle Mead can write one hell of a breakup. She knows how to set that weight atop our hearts. How to make the accusations, the pleading real. So many others are quoting the “love fades” line from Spirit Bound (read the review), but her other books bring that same real pain.

Her books center on strong women. OK, strong, stubborn women. In the case of Georgina Kincaid, one who focuses on doing things herself instead of opening up to those she cares about because she wants to protect them. Relatable.

Those who haven’t read any of the Vampire Academy, Georgina Kincaid or Dark Swan books, please don’t misread this as the books being big downers. They may be emotional rollercoasters, but there are both sides of the coin in her novels. It’s what makes her characters connect, what makes them feel real.